Help, help, help!!

[JazzMama]

I'm trying to plan our summer vacation and just can't settle on where I want to go. :rolleyes: So, I need everyone's help! I included pics of the hotels that we would stay at. If you've ever been to or live at any of these places, please give some advice on possible attractions we could go to (me, hubby, and 3-yr DD). Even if you just have a comment on which resort you like the best, it would help so much.

TIA so very, very much:


Daytona Beach, FL
http://i2.photobucket.com/albums/y45/secrease731/FantasyIslandResortII.jpg

Ormond Beach, FL
http://i2.photobucket.com/albums/y45/secrease731/CasaDelMar.jpg

Panama City Beach, FL
http://i2.photobucket.com/albums/y45/secrease731/LandmarkHolidayBeachResort.jpg

St. Augustine, FL
http://i2.photobucket.com/albums/y45/secrease731/WorldGolfVillage.jpg

Boyne Falls, Michigan
http://i2.photobucket.com/albums/y45/secrease731/MountainRun.jpg

Gatlinburg, TN
http://i2.photobucket.com/albums/y45/secrease731/MountainLoft.jpg

Gordonsville, Virginia
http://i2.photobucket.com/albums/y45/secrease731/ShenandoahCrossing.jpg

Wisconsin Dells, Wisconsin
http://i2.photobucket.com/albums/y45/secrease731/ChristmasMountainVillage.jpg

[sunflowers]

Went to St Augustine last summer and it was really nice. Not crowded. Lots of sight seeing..... forts,beaches,food...
HTH

[sunflowers]

Was in Daytona this Dec. and it is still pretty messed up from the hurricanes. Lots of rebuilding going on....

[purplerose23]

I just went to Gatlinburg Feb27-Mar03! It was a beautiful time! I know if you decide on this location, you will enjoy first of all THE MOUNTAINS! You will be avoiding the crowded beaches as well! Gatlinburg has several attractions! (Dollywood, Dollywood Splashwater, Gatlinburg Aquarium*Ripleys*, Ripley's wax, scary mansion and theatre, malls and shops along the walk, fun centers (like Nascar rides, a mini fairground, bungee jumping, wall climbing, four wheeling, helicopter rides, and put put), and did I mention the GREAT food (Several tastes and choices, including a chinese place where they perform circus acts!)! You won't be bored here, I promise! ALSO...the chalet rentals I would HIGHLY recommend! They have several types to satisfy any group! They have jacuzzis, hottubs, pool (and other games), a nice kitchen and home environment, and not to mention the breathtaking view of the mountains! I hope I helped with this one................:) Keep us updated on what you decide!

[Hillbilly]

My vote is for Gatlinburg.We have been there several times,it's our favorite vacation destination.The beauty of the Smoky Mountains is unbelievable.I agree with purplerose,I don't think you would be sorry. :) Here is a link to a website with lots of Smoky Mountain info and pictures if you want to check it out. www.discoverthesmokies.com

[JazzMama]

Thanks for advice - does anyone have any info on Wisconsin Dells area though? Hubby really thinks he might want to go there since we've never been that far north.

[Quaker_Parrots]

If it is summer vacation, I would head north, lol, beat the heat.

[chasity43]

I live in central WI, about 2-3 hours away from the Dells, haven't been there since I was a little kid, so I can't tell you much about attractions. I remember it was a lot of fun, we went on duck rides, kind of a boat that can also drive around on land, they let the little kids on the ride drive them for part of the tour. I know during the summer months there are always advertisements on the radio and tv about things going on in the Dells. They always have special stuff going on all summer. And they have the Tommy Bartlett water show, I remember that was pretty neat to watch. Sorry I can't be of more help. We usually head to northern WI when we go away.

[JazzMama]

Thanks guys! OK, even though Gatlinburg won the votes - I booked Wisconsin Dells. I think w/ Cailyn this will be better since it's a little more laid back. Also, we're going the 2nd wk of May, so I don't think it'll be hit hard with tourists yet.

[catssass]

We go to the Dells every year, for the last 15 yrs...love it!! Our DD is 16 and we thought we might not go this year but...we are going to go again, we know everything we love to do there so it ends up being very relaxing and fun....if you have kids, they will have a BALL, plus there is something for all ages to do, you can do it cheaply or spend alot, its up to you..if you want to know anything, just PM me or email me....

Where are you staying? I see you have a 3 yr. old I highly recommend getting a hotel with an "indoor waterpark", that way if the weather is bad, you will have lots to do....

[JazzMama]

Where are you staying? I see you have a 3 yr. old I highly recommend getting a hotel with an "indoor waterpark", that way if the weather is bad, you will have lots to do....

We own timeshare, so we'll be staying @ Christmas Mountain Village.
http://i2.photobucket.com/albums/y45/secrease731/ChristmasMountainVillage.jpg

http://i2.photobucket.com/albums/y45/secrease731/CMVindoorpool.jpg
They have a 27-hole golf course, 7 ski hills served by 2 chair lifts (you can ride your bikes down them in the summer), miniature golf, fishing, paddle boats, volleyball, basketball, 4 outdoor heated pools, indoor pool, tennis courts, horseshoes, and video game arcade.

Can you recommend some really good restaurants/attractions? The attractions that have really caught my eye so far are the boat tours, deer park, Storybook Gardens/petting zoo, aquarium, and Circus Museum. TIA!!

[catssass]

I am trying to think back to what was fun for 3 yr. old, its been quite awhile since I went to Storybook Gardens,The Deer Park so I can't say how they are now, we did go to them when the kids were little...You have to do the "Ducks", fun for all of you, the Dells boat trips are a must for 1st timers, I can't remember which one but one is just a boat trip and the other one you get off the boat a few times and check out some interesting things, We liked the one where you get off better. The Original Jet boats are a BLAST, well worth the price. Lost Canyon is a horse drawn wagon ride through the woods, the guides are funny, its not too long for a 3 yr old and cheap! Ripleys Believe It or Not... is sorta OK. TOP SECRET is really cool lokoing from the outside (it looks like the White House dropped upside down then crashed into earth) it was the STUPIDIST, waste of $45.00 I have ever spent!!! Anything Tommy Bartlet is OK, pricey, but fun...The Water show is good but do the nighttime one its cooler...I haven't been to Robot World in quite a few years, so I am not sure...if I think of anything else I reply later...